Perry Bellegarde new National Chief with 291 votes

Perry Bellegarde, newly-elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, spoke to the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs at the fall assembly in November.
Perry Bellegarde, newly-elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, spoke to the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs at the fall assembly in November.

WINNIPEG – Perry Bellegarde, with 291 votes, is the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Ghislaine Picard secured 136 votes, Leon Jourdain 35.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee congratulated National Chief Perry Bellegarde.

“We look forward to working with this long-established experienced leader who knows the issues and will work to bring First Nations together to work hard for our people,” said Madahbee.

Bellegarde, who is from Saskatchewan, will ensure that the AFN reconnects with First Nations.

His campaign promises include expanding the AFN’s political influence, building on recent court cases to ensure First Nations interests are entrenched and he will focus his attention on the implementation of Inherent and Treaty Rights.